Mystery persists in Wells Fargo manager Ayieko's murder case

Wells Fargo Human Resources Manager Willis Ayieko. (Courtesy)

The investigation into the murder of Wells Fargo Human Resources Manager Willis Ayieko remains unresolved as authorities work to identify and apprehend all suspects involved.

A fifth suspect has now been arrested in connection with Ayieko’s murder, although only three suspects are currently in custody after two were killed in a police shootout.

The latest suspect, Fredrick Omondi, a motorcycle rider, is believed to have played a role, allegedly providing transport for Victor Okoth, who is also in custody and linked to the murder alongside his deceased brother, Robert Okoth.

According to a family source who requested anonymity, Ayieko was reportedly abducted just outside the residence where he had been attending a funeral vigil. His abductors were allegedly tipped off by someone inside the compound, and they abducted him as soon as the gate was closed.

Earlier in the week, detectives identified the prime suspect, revealing that the man wanted for Ayieko's murder and numerous robberies in the region was not named George Okoth, but Robert Wakolo.

Wakolo’s father identified his body at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral morgue, clarifying that his son had used aliases, including "George Oduor Okoth" and "Kim".

“The discovery of 'Oduor’s' home in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, followed the identification of his body by his father, who clarified that his son’s real name was Robert Wakolo, with the aliases used as cover to escape police dragnets,” said the DCI report.

Wakolo, aged 34, was linked to a series of violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of M-Pesa attendant Grace Odero on January 27, 2024, at Kibuye market in Lolwe.

He was also wanted by Kondele Police for robbery with violence and possession of ammunition. Police ambushed Wakolo at a guest house opposite Kisumu Polytechnic, where he reportedly held on to his Smith and Wesson pistol, prepared for a confrontation. However, police acted swiftly, fatally shooting him.

He had previously escaped a police dragnet in Wagai, Gem sub-county, Siaya County, abandoning a rolling vehicle and leaving behind a seriously injured female passenger who later died in hospital. The female passenger, identified as Syprose Woga, was a widow from Midhine village in Gem, Siaya County.

A vigil was held in Siaya County for Ayieko last Friday, organised by the Siaya Political Forum (SPF), where he was a member. His family expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to pursue justice. Ayieko’s elder brother, Aggrey Onyango, praised investigative authorities and commended Governor James Orengo and Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, for supporting the family’s quest for justice.

“We are still seeking to know the powerful individual who ordered my brother’s death. We applaud the DCI for their efforts. We are humbled as a family. Willis did not deserve to die in such a manner; he was an innocent man who never offended anyone,” Onyango said.

Ayieko’s body was found on 23 October at Mungowere Stream, near the border of Siaya and Kakamega counties, days after he went missing following a funeral in Gem. His vehicle was discovered abandoned at a petrol station in Sabatia.

An autopsy conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that Ayieko died from head injuries that led to brain haemorrhage. “Other than that, there were bruises on his wrists caused by handcuffs found on him. Missing tissues in the mouth, ears, cheek, and nose were attributed to animal predation at the location where his body was found, likely by water animals such as fish and crabs. We found a dead crab in his clothing,” Oduor stated.